ISSN:
1615-6102
Keywords:
Mammary epithelium
;
Extracellular matrix
;
Basement membrane
;
Stroma
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary Interactions between epithelial cells and their environment are critical for normal function. Mammary epithelial cells require hormonal and extracellular matrix (ECM) signalling for the expression of tissue specific characteristics. With regard to ECM, cultured mammary epithelial cells synthesize and secrete milk proteins on stromal collagen I matrices. The onset of function coincides both with morphogenesis of a polarized epithelium and with deposition of basement membrane ECM basal to the cell layer. Mammary specific morphogenesis and biochemical differentiation is induced if mammary cells are cultured directly on exogenous basement membrane (EHS). Thus ECM may effect function by the concerted effect of permissivity for cell shape changes and the direct biochemical signalling of basement membrane molecules. A model is discussed where initial ECM control of mammary epithelial cell function originates in the interstitial matrix of stroma and subsequently transfers to the basement membrane when the epithelial cells have accumulated and deposited an organized basement membrane matrix.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01322592
Permalink
